Esports

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">BACKGROUND:</h3>



During Pool Play at the HCS London Major, Complexity were onstage preparing for their match against FaZe Clan when during routine equipment checks, the administration was lead to discover that Spartan’s SSD was not the official tournament SSD. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that the software on the SSD was not provided by the administration and furthermore contained new, unapproved software as well as other changes to the existing software in an effort to increase the performance of the PC. No software of any other nature was discovered. When talked to, Spartan cooperated with the investigation.



6/5/2024 Update: After further investigation, it was later discovered that the SSD device itself was part of a separate batch owned by the administration. The unapproved software was still loaded onto the SSD as described above with a flash drive. The ownership of the SSD was never weighed in the determination of the ruling. The Administrative team will be doing an audit of the existing fleet of hardware and removing any anomalous drives which are inconsistent with the rest of the other SSDs to ensure this doesn’t happen again.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">RULING:</h3>



Competitive integrity and fairness are paramount to the HCS, our partnered teams, players, and community. Due to the tampering of official league provided equipment and the nature of gaining a competitive advantage in the tournament as a result of tampering, Complexity have been disqualified from the tournament.



<a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS_2024_Program_Handbook_v2.0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS 2024 Program Handbook v2.0</a> (emphasis added):



“C. Cheating The Administration understands that it has an obligation to facilitate a level playing field for all competitors. Competing fairly and to the best of your ability is important towards fostering a healthy competitive environment, and the Administration is committed to ensuring the facilitation of fair competition throughout the duration of the Program and beyond. Any form of cheating, whether intentional or not, by any Participant is strictly prohibited. Participants are required and expected to maintain cognizance of these Official Rules and any form of cheating or violation of these rules, or the spirit of these rules, either intentionally or unintentionally, will result in penalties in accordance with the Code of Conduct. All Participants are prohibited from influencing or manipulating a Game or Match so that the outcome is determined by anything other than fair and reasonable play….



6. League Required Equipment



<ul>
<li>Failure to use Provided Equipment</li>



<li>Using unauthorized or unapproved equipment”</li>
</ul>



<a href="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-Major-London-2024-Official-Rules-v1.3.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">HCS Major London 2024 Official Rules v1.3</a>



“3. General



<ul>
<li>3.1. Any violation of the rules set forth in the Handbook, Code of Conduct, or in these Official Rules, including, without limitation, any form of cheating, may result in a forfeit of the Game/Match and/or disqualification from the Tournament.”</li>
</ul>



Per the HCS 2024 Program Handbook v2.0 and the HCS Major London 2024 Official Rules v1.3, the HCS administration has disqualified Complexity from the HCS London Major. Further rulings against Spartan will be determined after the tournament.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">TOURNAMENT UPDATE:</h3>



Due to the disqualification of Complexity, the following tournament rulings have been made:



<ol>
<li>Complexity receive an automatic last place in Pool C.</li>



<li>The match that took place between FaZe and Complexity will be ruled as a 3-0 map count in favor of FaZe, their match record is 2-0 headed into Day 2.</li>



<li>The match that did not take place between Cloud9 and Complexity will be ruled as a 3-0 map count in favor of Cloud9, their match record is 1-1 headed into Day 2.</li>



<li>There will still only be 1 team from the Open Bracket that will qualify for Pool C following the conclusion of Open Bracket Play. They will receive and automatic match victory over Complexity with a map count of 3-0, and will enter Pool Play with a record of 1-0.</li>



<li>Complexity will receive 0 HCS points and 0 prizing. </li>
</ol>

Official HCS

HCS London Major 2024 Competitive Ruling

Games

Halo Infinite

Tenrai IV kicks off next Tuesday, June 4, and Halo Infinite will receive an update alongside the launch of this latest Operation. Players can expect a few fixes under the hood, but the most exciting component of this next content update will be the release of the long-awaited Match Composer functionality for matchmaking!



Today, we want to give you a quick preview of what you can expect and how this feature will offer more flexibility to play the experiences you enjoy the most.



So, what exactly is a “Match Composer?”



This new matchmaking functionality allows players to choose a high-level playlist based on criteria like team composition (4v4, BTB, FFA, etc.) and then choose the specific modes you prefer to play (Husky Raid, Team Slayer, Team Snipers, etc.).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-QuickPlay.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Match Composer screenshot for Quick Play" class="wp-image-107377" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-QuickPlay.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-QuickPlay-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-QuickPlay-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-QuickPlay-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-QuickPlay-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-QuickPlay-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Originally, players would just be able to select “Team Arena” which could end up putting you into any of the supported game modes within that playlist. Now, you’ll be able to “compose” your match experience from the start and only search and play the specific types of experiences you want to play within a playlist. You can compose parameters and search one playlist at a time.



Not only does this new feature give you greater control to play what you want to play, it also allows us to take niche offerings that were previously relegated to limited-time rotationals and make them into permanent Match Composer mode choices (for example, Team Snipers is available to play all the time now within the Quick Play playlist). 



At face value, Halo Infinite’s matchmaking menus will look quite similar—you’ll be presented with a list of available playlists and if you select a Match Composer-enabled playlist (denoted in the description), the next screen will then offer a list of all the available modes to choose from. By default, every mode option will be enabled to help expedite searching and get players into matches quickly, but players can select and deselect as few or as many as desired.



One important note here is that selecting fewer options adds more constraints to the matchmaking search parameters and can result in longer wait times depending on current online population and general popularity of the modes you’ve chosen. If you aren’t picky and just want to jump into a 4v4 match as fast as possible, leave everything selected. If you only want to play Team Snipers but not that many other players online have opted into Team Snipers, it may take longer to match into a game.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAYLIST OFFERINGS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Match Composer screenshot for BTB" class="wp-image-107349" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Most, but not all, of Halo Infinite’s playlists will support Match Composer functionality when this feature is released next Tuesday. In general, most Social playlists will have Match Composer options but Ranked will not. Here’s the list of Social Match Composer enabled playlists that will be available upon release: TENRAI IV [FFA] [8 Players] Enjoy Tenrai-themed content including new community modes as well as the new original community map, Hanami.



This is the new Tenrai Operation themed featured playlist, available for a limited time.



QUICK PLAY [4v4] All things 4v4 from Team Slayer to Husky Raid. Curate your preferred 4v4 experiences here.



This playlist will include the majority of Halo Infinite’s 4v4 social game modes and offers numerous different choices ranging from Mini Slayer to CTF to Dodgeball and more. Players who only want to play on community-created Forge maps can select the “Community” version of a specific mode (i.e. “Community Slayer”).



TEAM DOUBLES [2v2] Assorted games for teams of two. Work together or die alone; teamwork is critical here.



RUMBLE PIT [FFA] [8 Players] A mix of Slayer variants and other Free for All modes. You’re on your own, Spartan.



INFECTION [FFA] [12 Players] Infect the enemy team or survive until the time limit. Players killed by Infected become Infected.



BIG TEAM BATTLE [12v12] For those who prefer a bigger battle. Here you can curate between standard BTB, BTB Heavies, and other variety BTB modes.



Mode selection options include entries from the original BTB Core, BTB Social, and BTB Heavies playlists such as Total Control, Team Snipers, Stockpile, Fiesta Slayer, and more.



SQUAD BATTLE [8v8] Your traditional fix for large scale warfare. Curate your experience with Team Slayer and objective gametypes.



Mode choices include CTF, King of the Hill, Slayer, One Flag CTF, Land Grab, and Total Control.



FIREFIGHT LEGENDARY [PVE] [LEGENDARY] [4 Players] Take the fight to the Banished. Curate your Firefight experience with different modes on Legendary difficulty.



FIREFIGHT HEROIC [PVE] [HEROIC] [4 Players] Take the fight to the Banished. Curate your Firefight experience with different modes on Heroic difficulty.



FIREFIGHT NORMAL [PVE] [NORMAL] [4 Players] Take the fight to the Banished. Curate your Firefight experience with different modes on Normal difficulty.



Each of the three Firefight playlists offer the same options (regular Firefight: KotH,  Gruntpocalypse, or Gruntpocalypse Fiesta) but are differentiated at the playlist level based on difficulty choice.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">RANKED PLAYLISTS</h2>



To ensure Halo Infinite’s Ranked experience maintains the highest level of competitive integrity, these playlists will not support Match Composing. However, the consolidation that the Match Composer offers us on the Social side means we’re able to expand the core Ranked playlists with this release to include: RANKED ARENA [4v4] – Bandit Evo loadout. Motion tracker disabled. Team Slayer, CTF, Oddball, KOTH, and Strongholds gametypes. Face off against other Spartans to earn or progress your rank.



RANKED SLAYER [4v4] – Bandit Evo loadout. Friendly fire enabled. Motion tracker disabled. Slay the enemy team.



RANKED DOUBLES [2v2] – Slay the enemy team. Bandit Evo loadout. Motion tracker disabled.



And, “RANKED TACTICAL” will be available as a Ranked Rotational offering beginning next week.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">PLAY YOUR WAY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB-Main.jpg" alt="Halo Infinite Match Composer screenshot for BTB showing number of modes selected" class="wp-image-107363" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB-Main.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB-Main-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB-Main-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB-Main-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB-Main-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/MatchComposer-BTB-Main-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



The Match Composer comes to Halo Infinite as part of a free update alongside the next Operation: Tenrai IV next Tuesday, June 4. Check back with Halo Waypoint next week for the full patch notes and additional details on the update and what you’ll find in the Tenrai Operation Pass and Exchange refreshes.



We’re excited to get this highly requested feature into your hands and will be keeping a close eye on feedback and game telemetry to ensure the Match Composer is delivering a great online experience.



We’ll see you online, Spartans!

Brian "ske7ch" Jarrard

Match Composer Preview | Halo Infinite

With the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/quadrant2024">HCS London Major hosted by Quadrant</a> this weekend, we’re about to conclude the first split of the 2024 HCS Season for Halo Infinite and it’s been one heck of a start so far. With a new starting weapon in the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/ranked-update-season-5-2">Bandit EVO</a>, the competition is as exciting as ever!



In Year 3 of the HCS, we’ve continued to use historical data to improve the format for our Major tournaments. This data helps determine how many teams from each region qualify for pool play and what their seeds are. This year, we are also making some adjustments to the qualifying format for the Halo World Championship. For HaloWC, we want to ensure that each region has a fair opportunity to qualify, but also aligns with the data that supports our format changes this season. 



Without further ado, let’s get into the details.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HaloWC 2024 Qualification Paths</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Top 8 from the Salt Lake City Major, regardless of region.</td><td>Top 4 in HCS points post-SLC event. (These 4 teams will be determined by Global HCS Points – points earned at LAN events.)</td><td>Top 4 from Last Chance Qualifiers.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-1024x576.png" alt="HCS 2024 Roadmap" class="wp-image-106533" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-2048x1152.png 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HCS-2024-Roadmap-FAZE-UPDATE-2-66454eae1c4bf-1568x882.png 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the Last Chance Qualifiers?</h2>



The Last Chance Qualifiers are a set of 4 single elimination best-of-5 playoff matches. The winners of these 4 matches will earn their spots as the final 4 teams in the Halo World Championship. Once the 8 teams participating in the Last Chance Qualifiers have been determined and seeded, the matches will be played on LAN and broadcasted Saturday night at the SLC Major.



The format is simple – win the match and qualify for the Halo World Championship. Here is how the 8 teams participating in the Last Chance Qualifiers will be determined:



<ul>
<li>Pool Play teams that have not qualified for HaloWC
<ul>
<li>Seeding tiebreakers will be highest placement at the SLC Major. If placement does not settle tiebreaker, next will be total points if teams are from the same region, or global points if teams are from different regions.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Next highest Open Bracket placing teams
<ul>
<li>Seeding tiebreakers will be highest placement at the SLC Major. If placement does not settle tiebreaker, next will be total points if teams are from the same region, or global points if teams are from different regions.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>All pool play teams will be seeded higher than teams qualifying from Open Bracket.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HaloWC 2024 Format</h2>



<ul>
<li>16 Team Pool Play</li>



<li>Seeding format will go as follows:
<ul>
<li>1-8: SLC Top 8</li>



<li>9-12: Top 4 in HCS points</li>



<li>13-16: LCQ Winners
<ul>
<li>LCQ Winners seeding will be determined by total points if all teams are from the same region, or global points if teams are from separate regions</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>3-day tournament and event</li>



<li>12 team Championship Bracket
<ul>
<li>1st/2nd in pools advance to WR1</li>



<li>3rd in pools advance to ER1</li>



<li>4th in pools eliminated</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-1024x576.png" alt="Crowd cheering in front of the Halo World Championship main stage." class="wp-image-107276" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-300x169.png 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-768x432.png 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1-1568x882.png 1568w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/HaloWC-Qual-Update-FEATURED-1.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Overall, we believe these format changes will continue to allow for more globally competitive tournaments as well as entertaining moments throughout it all.



Best of luck to all teams competing this weekend. Be sure to watch live every day on twitch.tv/Halo!

HCS Split 2 – HaloWC Qualification Update

Community

Community Spotlight

Alex Wakeford

Issue 016

Community Corner: LaSinity

“Survive the Undead is an all new, endless, round-based horde mode. Made with Halo Infinite’s Forge tool, it takes full advantage of Halo’s sandbox and gives players a PvE experience they haven’t seen in Halo before.” – The Forge Falcons



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/Workshop_Undead-13.jpg" alt="Two multiplayer Spartans running from the enemy in Survive the Undead." class="wp-image-106761" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/Workshop_Undead-13.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/Workshop_Undead-13-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/Workshop_Undead-13-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/Workshop_Undead-13-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/Workshop_Undead-13-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/Workshop_Undead-13-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



When your friend group is all strongly Forge-inclined and talented, you wind up with something like <a href="https://www.twitter.com/TheForgeFalcons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Forge Falcons</a>. Entirely community driven, this crew dreams big and makes magic happen with the power of Halo Infinite’s Forge. If you can dream it up, they can make it happen—they are absolute wizards with Forge! Their hard work has earned them a well-deserved spot in matchmaking.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Objective: SURVIVE



The Forge Falcons’ exciting PvE experience, Survive the Undead, arrives in the Combat Workshop today! For the next two weeks, you’ll be able to jump in and put your survival skills to the test in this 100% community created mode.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/SurviveTheUndead_Waypoint2.jpg" alt="Two Spartans facing off against an Elite in Survive the Undead" class="wp-image-106817" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/SurviveTheUndead_Waypoint2.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/SurviveTheUndead_Waypoint2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/SurviveTheUndead_Waypoint2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/SurviveTheUndead_Waypoint2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/SurviveTheUndead_Waypoint2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/SurviveTheUndead_Waypoint2-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Survive the Undead meshes the Halo Firefight experience with the fan-favorite COD Zombies mode resulting in fast paced, intense, and sometimes spooky gameplay. As we learned in Reach, the objective is to “survive,” and you want to do that by any means necessary. Earn points to buy upgrades, grab perks, or chance it all on a mystery box. Maybe it’ll help, maybe it’ll set you back—the thrill is in the risk!



As a note, while waiting to respawn, make sure to wiggle your sticks to keep from getting kicked for inactivity.



The Combat Workshop is your one-shop stop to check out work-in-progress maps, modes, and other new experiences. This playlist allows us to test out new modes (BTB Heavies), new features (new networking model), and get feedback at scale before taking that information back and iterating on it. From there, we can address issues and community feedback to get things ready for primetime matchmaking.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/CombatWorkshop_Waypoint.jpg" alt="Spartans standing in front of a white board denoting the Combat Workshop." class="wp-image-106845" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/CombatWorkshop_Waypoint.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/CombatWorkshop_Waypoint-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/CombatWorkshop_Waypoint-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/CombatWorkshop_Waypoint-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/CombatWorkshop_Waypoint-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/CombatWorkshop_Waypoint-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



This playlist will be up for two weeks and we want your feedback. Check back later for the link to the survey, or follow the QR code that will appear in-game later this week.



If you experience any technical issues, please be sure to report them to us by using the Halo Support site at <a href="https://aka.ms/HaloSupport">aka.ms/HaloSupport</a>.



How long can you survive the undead?

snickerdoodle

Combat Workshop: Survive the Undead

Next stop: London, UK!



The HCS Open Series: Road to London is complete. GGs to all competitors and congratulations to everyone who punched their tickets to the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/optic2024">HCS London Major</a>, hosted by <a href="http://twitter.com/quadrant">Quadrant</a>!



Miss out on the action? Check out final results for each region below!



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Contents</h1>



<ul>
<li><a href="#leaderboards">Leaderboards</a></li>



<li><a href="#na">NA Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#eu">EU Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#mx">MX Results</a></li>



<li><a href="#anz">ANZ Results</a></li>
</ul>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="leaderboards">HCS Leaderboards</h1>



Final Leaderboards following the HCS Open Series: Road to London.





<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="na">North America</h1>



<a href="http://twitter.com/protongamingpro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proton Gaming</a> clinches Pool Play – Congratulations to your NA Major Qualifier Champions!



Note: The Top 5 NA teams did not compete in the London Qualifiers as they have already secured their Pool Play seeds by placing Top 6 at the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/optic2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS Arlington Major.</a> 



Pre-qualified NA teams:



<ul>
<li><a href="http://twitter.com/spacestation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spacestation</a></li>



<li><a href="http://twitter.com/optic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OpTic Gaming</a></li>



<li><a href="http://twitter.com/fazeclan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FaZe Clan</a></li>



<li><a href="http://twitter.com/shopifyrebels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shopify Rebellion</a></li>



<li><a href="http://twitter.com/complexity">Complexity</a></li>
</ul>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>London Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/protongamingpro">Proton Gaming</a> – Druk – Kuhlect – Last Shot – Taulek</td><td>Open #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/optic">OpTic Gaming</a> – DeadZone – FormaL – Lucid – Trippy</td><td>Open #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/spacestation">Spacestation</a> – Bound – Eco – Lqgend – Stellur</td><td>Open #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/shopifyrebels">Rebellion</a> – Cykul – MentaL – Soul Snipe – Suppressed</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>London Qualifier: Champions <a href="http://aka.ms/m2-qual-na" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo">LVT Halo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eudYsIay3u8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo (Day 1)</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvOF7C5PqEw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo (Day 2)</a></td><td>Open #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/m2-os2-na" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo">LVT Halo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkoS9uTknmw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo (Day 1)</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgS7UZZVPs4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo (Day 2)</a></td><td>Open #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/m2-os2-na" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo">LVT Halo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/z_5Bh7-5cdM?si=wLKjQ3wDLETQfMlH&t=2582" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo (Day 1)</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/urtWnteoi98?si=mQVXNqxQnhPNCjxK&t=728" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo (Day 2)</a></td><td>Open #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/m2-os1-na" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/lvthalo">LVT Halo</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-kkyrM6g-k" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo (Day 1)</a> – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/ITKxaPWh7_Q?si=k5uJuRCRMLI2JpeD&t=392" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVTHalo (Day 2)</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="eu">Europe</h1>



Pool Play secured for <a href="http://twitter.com/quadrant">Quadrant</a> – Congratulations to your EU Major Qualifier Champions!



Note: The Top EU team (Foe) did not compete in the London Qualifier as they have already secured their Pool Play seed by placing Top 6 at the <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/optic2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HCS Arlington Major.</a>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>London Qualifier: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/quadrant">Quadrant</a> – Glory – Sica – SLG – Snipedrone</td><td>Open #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/quadrant">Quadrant</a> – Glory – Sica – SLG – Snipedrone</td><td>Open #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/quadrant">Quadrant</a> – Glory – Sica – SLG – Snipedrone</td><td>Open #1: Champions Team: Foe – Jimbo – Mighty – Tchik – Wutum</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>London Qualifier: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/m2-qual-eu" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague">Euro Halo League</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2143819870?t=00h24m49s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU London Qualifier</a></td><td>Open #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/m2-os3-eu" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague">Euro Halo League</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2137884070?t=00h32m48s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EU Open #3</a></td><td>Open #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/m2-os2-eu" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague">Euro Halo League</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2131786056?t=00h19m45s">EU Open #2</a></td><td>Open #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/m2-os1-eu" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a> Tournament VOD by <a href="http://twitter.com/eurohaloleague">Euro Halo League</a> – <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2125672968?t=00h19m22s">EU Open #1</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="mx">Mexico</h1>



The MX titans stamp their tickets to London!



Congratulations to your MX London Open Champions – <a href="http://twitter.com/swat_latam">SWAT Esports</a>!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>London Open Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/swat_latam">SWAT Esports</a> – Acid – Drift – Noblc – Tapping Buttons</td><td>Open #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/swat_latam">SWAT Esports</a> – Acid – Drift – Noblc – Tapping Buttons</td><td>Open #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/swat_latam">SWAT Esports</a> – Acid – Drift – Noblc – Tapping Buttons</td><td>Open #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/swat_latam">SWAT Esports</a> – Acid – Drift – Noblc – Tapping Buttons</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>London Open Championship <a href="http://aka.ms/M2-OC-MX" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/M2-OS3-MX" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/M2-OS2-MX" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/M2-OS1-MX" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



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<h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="anz">Australia / New Zealand</h1>



MindFreak will represent the ANZ region at the London Major!



Congratulations to your ANZ London Open Champions!





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>London Open Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak">MindFreak</a> – Plasma – Scoobmeistr – Swayz – Wryce</td><td>Open #3: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak">MindFreak</a> – Plasma – Scoobmeistr – Swayz – Wryce</td><td>Open #2: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak">MindFreak</a> – Plasma – Scoobmeistr – Swayz – Wryce</td><td>Open #1: Champions Team: <a href="http://twitter.com/mindfreak">MindFreak</a> – Plasma – Scoobmeistr – Swayz – Wryce</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>





<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>London Open Championship <a href="http://aka.ms/M2-OC-ANZ" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #3: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/M2-OS3-ANZ" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #2: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/M2-OS2-ANZ" data-type="link" data-id="aka.ms/os1-eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td><td>Open #1: Results <a href="http://aka.ms/M2-OS1-ANZ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Full Bracket</a></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

HCS Open Series: Road to London

Canon Fodder

Fiction

Issue 153

Canon Fodder: In-Zane in the Membrane

Spotlight: May 13, 2024

Waypoint Chronicles

343 Industries

Halo: The Third Life

Updated 5/7/2024



Back in February, the Big Team Battle playlist was refreshed with some amazing new community maps. After that update, many asked to see those maps expand to other BTB offerings and I’m pleased to tell you that the next time you see BTB Heavies (aka today!), the map pool will have increased as we’re adding all the BTB refresh maps! You’ll be able to experience:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/63924f96-8c74-49a5-874d-b67d7160f56d">Fortitude</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4c9f266f-e1e0-4428-bd54-9ba4f378106e">Insolence</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/208d3ac6-45c4-41ee-a3f5-3c9176cc2142">Obituary</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a9fef2f4-0758-43c5-bb62-c91651cbb80c">Refuge</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/baaa4323-5e4d-403c-acf8-eb1765141ca8">Thunderhead</a></li>
</ul>



Expect  more chaos thanks to increased vehicular carnage and heavy weaponry spawns.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD.jpg" alt="Big Team Battle heavies in Halo Infinite" class="wp-image-105397" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD.jpg 1920w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2024/05/BTBHeavies_Refresh_MOTD-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



Additionally, the fan-favorite One Flag CTF mode has been added to Heavies so you’ll be able to play tug of war while you try to capture the flag.



The fun is here so get those reflexes primed and ready to jump into the fray!



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/videos/2037400043?t=00h40m52s">We talked about it during the January livestream</a> and it’s finally here… the eagerly anticipated Big Team Battle (BTB) refresh has arrived!



The biggest playlist gets even better with the addition of FIVE new community maps, nearly doubling the total map pool! You’ll be able to engage in vehicular combat with heavy vehicles, but for those of you that prefer to hoof it (like me!) there’s plenty of room for ground-based combat. As an added bonus, some of the maps might look a bit familiar…



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="BIG TEAM BATTLE New Map Previews | Halo Infinite" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pGSd1JOxdO0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



But that’s enough rambling, let’s take a look!



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/63924f96-8c74-49a5-874d-b67d7160f56d">Fortitude</a></h2>



Author: DarkSkull, CertifiedChamp



At first blush, this map looks pretty straightforward but, as we all know, looks can be deceiving. There are a lot of layers to the center which means there’s ample opportunity for sneaky plays. But if you prefer to run ‘n’ gun, you can do that too!



Modes:



<ul>
<li>Capture the Flag (CTF)</li>



<li>Slayer</li>



<li>Stockpile</li>



<li>Total Control</li>
</ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/63924f96-8c74-49a5-874d-b67d7160f56d">Download Link</a>



P.S. – Don’t run straight over top middle. Or do. I can’t stop you but at least I can say I warned you.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4c9f266f-e1e0-4428-bd54-9ba4f378106e">Insolence</a></h2>



Author: xDTx Kaos, W0lfR3ign



If you like big booms and you cannot lie, this is the map for you. Heavy weaponry plus heavy vehicles automatically increase the possibility of explosions. Fairly symmetrical in nature, the CTF battles here are going to be epic.



Modes:



<ul>
<li>CTF</li>



<li>Slayer</li>



<li>Stockpile</li>



<li>Total Control</li>
</ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/4c9f266f-e1e0-4428-bd54-9ba4f378106e">Download Link</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/208d3ac6-45c4-41ee-a3f5-3c9176cc2142">Obituary</a></h2>



Author: xDTx Kaos



This map gives me some strong Halo 2 Containment vibes and I can hardly contain my excitement!



Dual Wraiths, tons of other vehicle options, and lots of traversal opportunities by foot as well. No matter how you prefer to play, you have choices here.



Modes:



<ul>
<li>CTF</li>



<li>Slayer</li>



<li>Stockpile</li>



<li>Total Control</li>
</ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/208d3ac6-45c4-41ee-a3f5-3c9176cc2142">Download Link</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a9fef2f4-0758-43c5-bb62-c91651cbb80c">Refuge</a></h2>



Author: Cousin Tim, InfiniteForges, NightAvenger01, Micheal B 2K8



Refuge is what happens when Headlong has been left alone long enough for nature to heal. The overgrowth makes it hauntingly beautiful, but beauty can’t stop the imminent carnage that comes with this classic map.



Additionally, you may notice the qualification on the CTF mode below…yes, a one-sided objective mode has arrived! Shoutout to I Crush All for creating the mode.



Modes:



<ul>
<li>One Flag CTF</li>



<li>Slayer</li>



<li>Total Control</li>
</ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/a9fef2f4-0758-43c5-bb62-c91651cbb80c">Download Link</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-large-font-size"><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/baaa4323-5e4d-403c-acf8-eb1765141ca8">Thunderhead</a></h2>



Author: DarkMaiming



Putting the emphasis on big, Thunderhead has a huge area of engagement for you to explore. If you happen to get the sneaky, up high, Banshee spawns you’ll have a bird’s eye view over the plain below you and you’ll be able to see who called for aerial artillery.



Modes:



<ul>
<li>CTF</li>



<li>Slayer</li>



<li>Stockpile</li>



<li>Total Control</li>
</ul>





<a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/halo-infinite/ugc/maps/baaa4323-5e4d-403c-acf8-eb1765141ca8">Download Link</a>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>



Huge shoutout to the Forgers who are continuously creating these beautiful maps and great experiences to help keep things fresh and exciting. Grab your battle buddy and jump in and check out the refresh today.



More maps. More battles. More better!

Big Team Battle

Multiplayer

Playlists

BTB Refresh | Halo Infinite